Corporate governance

Cermaq Group AS is a fully owned subsidiary of the Mitsubishi Corporation.

Cermaq’s corporate governance principles are based on the corporate governance principles of the Mitsubishi Corporation, Norwegian legislation, and recognized principles for good corporate governance.

The highest governance body in Cermaq, the General meeting, elects the shareholder elected directors and auditor and also approves the annual accounts and Board remuneration. In addition, three directors of the Board are elected by and from among the Norwegian employees.

The Board sets the strategic direction for the company and resolves budgets, annual goals and guidelines for the operations of the company. Further, the Board monitors the company’s management and operations, and resolves matters outside the ordinary course of business.

Cermaq manages operational risk systematically through management systems that are certified in accordance with international standards. These standards impose requirements with respect to management responsibility, structure, reporting and allocation of responsibility in the organization, regular risk assessment and action plans for ongoing improvement, internal and external communication, and the establishment of procedures and operational controls.

The Group has defined the most important areas as being Quality (ISO 9001), Environment (ISO 14001), Food safety (ISO 22000) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHSAS 18001). All operating companies are required to have all standards in place and re-certification is considered a management responsibility.

Ethical and corporate responsibility guidelines

Our ethical and corporate responsibility guidelines describe our ethical norms and standards for corporate responsibility. They build on our values and corporate governance principles , and provide all our employees and other stakeholders a clear understanding of what we stand for and the way we do business.

Supplier code of conduct

Cermaq is committed to high standards for responsible business conduct. The Cermaq Supplier Code of Conduct has been established to strengthen the management of sustainability risks throughout the supply chain. This document describes the minimum requirements that all Cermaq’s suppliers are expected to uphold. Cermaq expects suppliers to require similar standards for their suppliers and subcontractors.

Cermaq is a member of UN Global Compact and is committed to respect the 10 Principles related to Human Rights, Labor Standards, Environment and Anti-corruption. Cermaq encourages its suppliers to become members of UN Global Compact and implement the 10 Principles in their organisations.

Whistleblowing

Cermaq wishes to sustain open communication about responsible and ethical conduct within its operations. We have developed guidelines for giving notice of breaches of the law, rules, ethical guidelines and other unacceptable circumstances. They apply to all companies within the group. Anyone wishing to give notice of unacceptable circumstances is encouraged to do so.

Whistle blowing can also be done anonymously, and/or by external parties, through an external link: